Opposition Leader Supports Musk, Argues Against Australia Acting as the ‘Internet Police’
The federal opposition in Australia is divided on whether it supports a global takedown order against X.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has taken the side of X Corp owner Elon Musk in a dispute with Australia’s internet content regulator, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
During a recent hearing, the Australian Federal Police raised concerns that the video could incite terrorism.
X’s legal representative, Marcus Hoyne, argued against Inman Grant’s authority to regulate content internationally.
Related Stories
In a radio interview on April 25, Mr. Dutton criticized the commissioner’s call for the worldwide removal of the footage as “silly,” stating that Australia shouldn’t act as the internet police globally and that Australian laws should not dictate content accessibility in other countries.
“We can control what’s online in our country, but not elsewhere. Trying to do so is foolish,” he told Sydney’s 2GB radio station.
“We can’t police the internet globally, despite the prime minister’s efforts. If there’s violence incitement from a video like a stabbing incident, we have legal grounds to take it down here, but that shouldn’t extend internationally.”
Mr. Dutton had previously questioned the extent of Australia’s jurisdiction in such matters.
Deputy Leader Supports Global Takedown
However, his deputy has a different stance.
Deputy Leader Sussan Ley expressed disappointment with Musk’s stance and fully supported Inman Grant.
“I believe X should comply with the law, and I don’t support ignoring our eSafety commissioner’s directives and statements,” she stated.
When confronted with Musk’s argument that Australia has no authority to dictate the company’s actions in other countries—a position similar to Dutton’s—Ms. Ley dismissed it, saying, “That’s absurd, of course we should have that right.”
Nevertheless, many other Coalition members stand with Musk and oppose the commissioner’s actions.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan accused the PM of overreacting to a video that gained more attention due to his response.
On the other hand, a spokesperson for X confirmed: “X is complying with Australian law, restricting relevant content in Australia, and eliminating any content that glorifies or praises the attacks.”
